# Ukraine's kamikaze drones now track targets with AI US company Auterion developed an AI system that makes Ukraine's cheap drones autonomous. - **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c) - **Published:** 2026-08-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7c141b14-e68b-40eb-a887-be20a6ebfb2c ## Autonomous target tracking system The Ukrainian military has started equipping its $400 Shrike drones with an AI system developed by Auterion. This system allows drones to independently track and strike moving targets without operator input. The technology processes images from the drone's main camera and doesn't require GPS, providing a crucial advantage against common GPS jamming techniques on modern battlefields. ## Cost advantage AI-equipped Shrike drones cost about $2,000 each, significantly cheaper than the precision munitions used by Western militaries that cost hundreds of thousands per shot. Auterion CEO Lorenz Meier notes that Western armies typically purchase drones in small batches with long delivery times and high prices. Ukraine has ordered 50,000 AI-enabled drones in contrast. ## Operational flexibility Operators can designate a target and switch the drone to autonomous mode, allowing it to complete its mission even if connection is lost. Operators retain the ability to abort strikes or change targets when needed. The system maintains effectiveness even when signals are blocked by terrain or buildings, or when jammed by enemy forces. These drones have successfully destroyed various targets including armored tanks and helicopters. ## German funding The order for 50,000 AI-equipped drones is backed by $100 million funding from a European country, reportedly Germany according to Reuters. Auterion's Munich-based team is fulfilling this order, the company's largest to date. Additionally, the company has committed to delivering 33,000 drone strike kits to Ukraine by July 2025 under a $50 million Pentagon contract. ## Swarm technology Auterion's Nemyx system enables swarm technology where a single operator can control multiple drones simultaneously. During a live-fire exercise at Camp Blanding in Florida, one operator successfully directed three autonomous drones to three separate targets. The system allows drones to coordinate, prioritize high-value targets, and automatically adjust as targets are destroyed. ## Reduces operator workload The new system significantly reduces operator workload by eliminating the need for constant manual control. This allows Ukraine to deploy more drones with its limited number of trained operators. The technology also provides major advantages for countries like the US that don't yet have large numbers of trained drone operators. ## Software updates Auterion's strike kits will enable future software updates for SkyFall's Shrike drones, including capabilities for single operators to control autonomous drone swarms. While the company hasn't provided a specific timeline for this feature, the core technology was successfully tested during live-fire exercises in Florida. ## Could change warfare dynamics This technology has potential to significantly alter modern battlefield dynamics. Cheap, autonomous, mass-producible drones create an important counterbalance to traditionally expensive and limited military systems. The effectiveness of drone technology in the Ukraine-Russia war demonstrates the growing role such systems will play in future conflicts. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/08/ukraines-drones-get-ai-upgrades-for-kamikaze-strikes-future-swarm-attacks/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._